A gift of gratitude

Local schools are just three weeks away from starting another year, and many parents are already beginning to stress about purchasing those much-needed supplies. Unfortunately, some of those parents will not be able to provide their child with the items that are needed.

Every year, teachers across Sampson County are faced with the same challenge — students aren’t prepared to learn, because they are financially unable to buy the supplies that are needed. From paper and pencils to notebooks and folders, Tawanda Outlaw, program manager at the Center for Health and Wellness, knows teachers are left with reaching into their own pockets and purchasing some of the supplies.

For that reason, Outlaw and the employees of the hospital and wellness center, along with the support of the community, are working over the next five weeks to collect supplies to be given to three teachers from across the county that can be used in their classrooms.

“We wanted to do something that would support our teachers who do so much for the community,” Outlaw explained.

The Teacher School Supply Drive is a chance for the community to not only reward the teachers, but provide much needed supplies to students throughout Sampson County, Clinton City and local private schools.

“There are many days that our teachers leave, felling thankless,” Outlaw said. “Our hope is that some teachers can start the year off with a little gratitude.”

Beginning Friday, Aug. 11, through Sept. 24, the community is asked to bring in school supplies to one of three drop-off locations. While there, nominate your favorite teacher or teacher’s assistant from either Clinton City Schools, Sampson County Schools or a local private school. The teacher from each district who receives the most nominations will be rewarded with supplies collected through donations, as well as a one-year membership to the wellness center.

Drop-off locations are the main lobby of the hospital, cafeteria at the hospital and the wellness center lobby area. Of course, Outlaw said, there is no limit on the amount of items you can bring in for donation, and there isn’t a limit on the number of nominations you submit.

Outlaw said they are asking for each nomination to include the name, school and grade of the teacher or teacher’s assistant being nominated.

“We are trying to do our part to help the teachers,” Outlaw said. “The donations are a way the community can do their part to help, too.”

In the spirit of giving back, the wellness center has opened a promotional event during the next five weeks of no enrollment fee to those who sign up for a membership when they bring in donations.

“I think back to the days I was in school, and how teachers had to supply items for their students,” Outlaw said. “I wish we could give every teacher supplies, but I’m glad we will be able to help some.”

The Center for Health and Wellness is hosting a teacher school supply drive through Sept. 24. Through nominations from the community, three teachers will be awarded with a basket of supplies to use in their classroom.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_drive1-1.jpgThe Center for Health and Wellness is hosting a teacher school supply drive through Sept. 24. Through nominations from the community, three teachers will be awarded with a basket of supplies to use in their classroom.

School supply items can be donated between now and Sept. 24 as part of a giveaway promotion through the local wellness center.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_drive2-1.jpgSchool supply items can be donated between now and Sept. 24 as part of a giveaway promotion through the local wellness center.

Supply drive to benefit teachers

By Kristy D. Carter

kcarter@s24477.p831.sites.pressdns.com

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.